THIS IS GUNNER BE YOUR YEAR

Big Sam backs Arteta to finally land title

- BY ANDY DUNN

IN May 2023, after taking over as Leeds United manager, it was no surprise to hear Sam Allardyce being particularly bullish.

If there is one thing Allardyce has always had as a manager, it is unwavering self-belief.

“I might be 68 and old,” he said when arriving at Elland Road, “but there is no one ahead of me in football terms. Not Pep, not Klopp, not Arteta.”

And, now, at 71 years of age, although he won't say it, Big Sam probably still believes that to be the case.

But he is more than happy to admit that Mikel Arteta is coming of managerial age at Arsenal. And to Allardyce’s approval, the Spaniard’s progression looks like it is based on the theory that attacks win games and defences win titles.